2. Import your files into Digidesign® Pro Tools® Version 6.9
i. Pro Tools® is the best audio editing software available
3. Route audio signal from Pro Tools® into Empirical Labs EL-8 Distressor®
i. The Distressor is an automatic gain (or volume) control device (AGC in engineering terms) designed for pro audio (music) applications. Basically, it electronically controls the volume of just about any source in a very pleasing, and "musical" manner - adding fullness, intelligibility, and especially in the Distressor's case - excitement.(Description from Empirical Labs INC. website)
ii. Besides offering a wide range of control and unique features, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This "warmth" or vintage sound has become an important issue in the last 15 years, as the super clear and linear digital technology does very little (or nothing) to soften "harsh" sounds nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment on the other hand, could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people have now realized that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and "musical". The current digital technology is often referred to as "cold" and "brittle" among other terms, although we prefer the term "unforgiving" to describe the negative side of the "linearity".(Description from Empirical Labs INC. website)
iii. The EL-8 Distressor gives “warmth” and “body” to your track, giving you the professional sound.
4. Outputs of Distressor are routed back
into Pro Tools® and Rerecorded to 96kHz/24 bit RAW wave files
5. Recorded files are then Run through various “Waves® Digital Audio Processors(Version 5.0) Typical tools used include, but are not limited to:
i. C4
Compressor
a) This compressor will control unwanted peaks and lows in the track.
b) This also controls the overall tone of the track
ii. REQ 10 Parametric
Equalizer
a) Vintage EQ for rich, clear equalization.
b) If you have a slightly dull or flat track, during final mastering this
will tweak the edges and really breathe some life into it.
iii.
L3 Ultramaximizer
a) The L3 uses Multi-band dynamics processing, limiting the full band
or the total of the multiple bands to a certain Threshold factor. This
allows the L3 to reach unprecedented loudness with even more musical sounding
results. It offers a wide variety of different sonic flavors from analog
sounding to the smoothest, most transparent digital limiting you could
imagine.
6. Save As Newly Mastered tracks.
7. Perform Post Master Clean-up.
i. Delete any silence and/or noise at the beginning or end of the track
ii. Perform any Fade In/Out required
8. Post High quality preview of track on our website.
i. This Allows you (the customer) to listen to your track before your master CD is shipped.
ii. At this time you will be able to note any changes or requests you may have regarding your track. Remember you are the customer! You need to be satisfied with the results of your hard work.
iii. Please Note: An audio watermark maybe added to your preview track to protect clearcutlabs from Non-payment for audio mastering services (This “watermark” will not be present in Mastered CD)
9. Make any additional changes requested by customer.
10. Repeat steps above for each track in project.
11. Upon customer approval, Produce Master CD
i. Your Newly Mastered CD will be recorded onto a “Red Book Compliant” Gold Master CD (archival grade)
ii. PQ-Code List generated
iii. UPC and ISRC information added to master CD (if Applicable) More information on obtaining ISRC codes can be found here. It is highly recommended that you apply for ISRC, this will protect your rights as an artist.
iv. CD-text Added (if Applicable)
12. Ship Master CD
i. Shipping is VIA USPS Priority mail
ii. Other shipping methods are available at customers expense
Need a Quote? Email us today! mastering@clearcutlabs